We are a community milonga by dancers for dancers

AboutMilongaliso

Milonga by dancersfor dancers.We offer a warm and informalevening to lovers
of Tango Argentino,of all levels who wish toshare our passion forthe music and dance.

Milongaliso is a long established milonga at Pilands, known
for it’s warm and intimate environment for tangueros.
Come and enjoy a Milonga where everyone is welcome!

Milongaliso is a community milonga in Southampton, Hampshire,
and Bournemouth, Dorset, South East England. We host monthly Tradition milonga on Thursday evening (Pilands/Southampton) and Sunday afternoon (St. Stephens/Bournemouth), playing classic tango, vals and milonga made for dancing.

We come together to dance socially with one another and Milongaliso provides the environment to do this.

We are a non-profit community milonga. This allow
us to create a milonga that we would love to attend every month.
We will continue to do so for as long as there is a need for this.

Our Philosophy

We social and dance together - No one is too good that they spend the whole evening sitting out tandas. A tanda last 10-12 minutes, not a lifetime. If you have made the effort to come this far, We encourage everyone to get to know each other, socialise and dance.

Take a chance, you just might surprise yourself.

We provide a friendly and welcoming environment to make this happen. A place to unwind, socialise, dance and kick off your weekend. Come and join us.

"The Embrace is my calling card an introduction...it tells you all you need to knowabout me
and the tango that I dance."~ Dele

Gallery

"A good dancer is one who listens to the music…You see,we are painters.We paint the musicwith our feet."~ Carlos Gavito (1942 - 2005)

Juan D'Arienzo

LAST TANDA

he music, more than anything else in a milonga, shapes the atmosphere
of the evening and dictates the mood for dancing. Our tandas are individually programmed and played on the fly to reflect the mood of
the dance floor.

We only play Traditional Golden Age Era Music in tanda with cortina of eclectic music from all genre.

At Milongaliso, we programme our playlist in sets (tandas) of three (Milonga) to four (Tango/Vals) songs. All tandas are composed of music by the same or similar orchestra, singer, time period, rhythm and mood.

Each tanda is followed by a short piece (cortina) of music that acts as a
curtain indicating the tanda has drawn to a close and a change of dance partner
for the next tanda.

Different cortina is used throughout the evening. The cortina is an eclectic
mix of Swing, Rock & Roll, salsa, Cumbia or other latin dance with World music.

The evening's Music is programmed on the fly with a diverse selection for a full
evening of dancing. It starts with simple rhythms of the Guardia Vieja to more complex
music later in the evening.

The diverse selection of music is a roller-coaster musical odyssey spanning
the Epoch and Style of Argentine Tango music.

Flickr Photostream - Tango Orchestra/Band Leader

LAST TANDA

TangoDJDele

Music that stir the soul and move the feet

We playtraditionalGolden Age Era Musicin tanda with
cortina of eclectic musicfrom all genrefromSwing, Rock & Roll to latin dance music.

Golden Age Music

Classic Tango Dance Music Playlist.

GUEST DJ

Milongaliso welcome Guest Tango DJs.

Spotify Playlists

Listen to classic and traditional Tango, Vals & Milonga dance tanda.

Anibal Troilo

Bandoneon player, composer, arranger and bandleader.

Juan D'Arienzo

King of the Beat (El Rey del Compas), Violinist and conductor.

LAST TANDA

he music, more than anything else in a milonga, shapes the atmosphere
of the evening and dictates the mood for dancing. Our tandas are individually programmed and played on the fly to reflect the mood of
the dance floor.

Dele is the resident DJ at Milongaliso/Bournemouth Tango Club.
We also welcome guests DJs from time to time.

We only play Traditional Golden Age Era Music in tanda with cortina of eclectic music from all genre.

At Milongaliso, we programme our playlist in sets (tandas) of three (Milonga) to four (Tango/Vals) songs. All tandas are composed of music by the same or similar orchestra, singer, time period, rhythm and mood.

Each tanda is followed by a short piece (cortina) of music that acts as a
curtain indicating the tanda has drawn to a close and a change of dance partner
is required for the next tanda.

Different cortina is used throughout the evening. The cortina is an eclectic
mix of Swing, Rock & Roll, salsa, Cumbia or other latin dance with World music.

The evening's Music is programmed on the fly with a diverse selection for a full
evening of dancing. It starts with simple rhythms of the Guardia Vieja to more complex
music later in the evening.

The diverse selection of music is a roller-coaster musical odyssey spanning
the Epoch and Style of Argentine Tango music.

Flickr Photostream - Tango Orchestra/Band Leader

LAST TANDA

"Nothing improves your dancingmore than knowing the music you dance to."

~ Unknown

MilongaCodigos

Tango Argentinois an improvised social dancewith a rich cultural heritage!

Los códigos en la milonga

Tango Argentino...Over 150 years evolution of Music, Dance and culture!

FAQs - Tango and Milonga Codes of Etiquette

Tango is a social dance with close interactions with other dancers in sometimes crowded dance floors. While we
don't want to be tango police, we want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and have a great time at
Milongaliso.

There are several guidelines for tango etiquette (called “codigos”) that can help to make the experience more
enjoyable for everyone.

The etiquette listed here is an informal guideline that has evolved to ensure everyone have a good time in
a social dance setting and is worth respecting.

Intimacy & the Codigos

Close embrace tango involves dancing intimately with your dance partner, who may be perfect stranger
The codigos of tango are a set of “codes” that offer some protective structure around this intimacy.

The lnvite

There are certain unwritten rules about inviting and accepting or declining dances:

Mirada and Cabeceo

Cabeceo & Mirada is non-verbal invitation and acknowledgement to request for the pleasure of dancing with a
nod of the head. Typically the man (leader) initiates the invitation, but the lady (follower) is also an active
participant always with the mirada, looking at desired partners when they are ready and interested to dance.

Here are the process to get you dancing.

For optimal effect, the man should place himself in a visible position, to be seen by prospective partnerto see and acknowledge any invitation coming her way.

The partner selection process begins by watching the floor to see who dances well and to choose a
prospective partner.

The selection continues by trying to match the orchestras of each tanda with the right partner.

Making eye contact is critical in the partner selection process and the follower is very much a part of
it in order to dance with the men of their choice. Use it wisely.

Follower, don't turn your eyes away too quickly as this may be mistaken as declining the invitation.
Hold the gaze until the invite is confirmed with a nod and reciprocate.

Mirada - scan with the eyes to see if a prospective partner would like to dance with you.

Cabeceo - Nod or tilt your head or eyebrow when you catch their eye, to invite them to dance.

If they accept your invitation, they will nod back or decline an invitation by looking away.

Walk over to your partner when they accept your invitation and wait to make sure the deal
is sealed, your partner will stand up as you approach, to be escorted to the dance floor.

Extend your hand, verbally greet them and introduce yourself.

Accepting an lnvite

A man looks around the dance hall to search for a partner. If he finds a woman he likes to dance with,
he stares at her. The woman, who is also looking for a partner, will soon notice him.

If she doesn’t want to dance with him, she simply turns her eyes away.

If she wants to dance with him, she fixes her eyes at him and waits for him to invite her. He does so
by nodding his head at her, and she responds with a nod of her head in return to accept his invitation.

Declining an lnvite

The woman may turn her eyes away from potential partner to decline an invitation.

If you reject someone for a dance, verbally, because you are tired, taking a break, waiting for a
friend etc. Be gracious, a simple "No Thank you or No, not right now" will suffice.

It is, however, not advisable to dance that same tango with someone else.

Better to wait, preferably for the next tanda before accepting another invitation to avoid causing
offence to the first person that asked you.

Grounds for prematurely ending the dance

It is customary to dance the complete the tanda (3-4 dances) with the same person.

Generally, once we have agreed to dance, we are obliged to complete the tanda, at person. It is considered
rude not to complete the tanda.

However, there are exceptional circumstances in which we can and do break the tanda. If you are sufficiently
uncomfortable with your partner's dancing or other behaviour.

If you feel unsafe and unprotected when dancing with your partner due to poor floorcraft and navigation
skills, or if their behaviour is socially inappropriate or making you very uncomfortable in the way they
are dancing, these are enough good reasons to terminate the dance.

If someone is making you uncomfortable during the dance, you have no obligation to continue with the dance

If someone behaves or does does anything inappropriate on the dance floor, you do NOT need to finish the tanda.

La Ronda - The line of dance

Respect the line of dance & other couples on the dance floor. The dance floor is a shared space; you will be dancing not just
with your partner but other couple in front and behind. Depending on the size of the dancefloor floor and attendance, you could
be dancing with some 100 other couples.

Navigating your way around the danceloor is absolutely vital, be considerate, signal your intention before entering the floor, choose
appropriate lane to your dance experience, and stick to it.

As a follower, you have the last say; you have no obligation to accept any invitation from the leader that required responding to
anti-social figures and movements such as high boleos, ganchos, piernazos etc that can disrupt another person's dance
experience, or spoilt their enjoying of their evening.

Caution - Getting on the dance floor

Dancers on the dance floor have right of way.

Before entering the dance floor, make eye contact with the leader coming up on the
ronda to signal your intention and only proceed onto the dance floor after receiving
acknowledgement.

Take care not to step in front of those already on the dance floor.

Keep to your lane and avoid zig-zagging.

Do not overtake the couple dancing in front of you.

Maintain an even flow and use the space available to you by keeping a reasonable distance
with the couple in front.

If you bump into someone, just apologize to the other couple and to your partnerand move on.

During the dance

Respect the lanes on the ronda (line of dance), typically two outer lanes and the inside lane

It is customary for more experienced couples to dance on the edge of the dance floor
or two outside lanes and the inside lane for the less skilled dancers.

Leave enough space between you and the couple in front, to allow them enough space to move.

Avoid overtaking the couple in front of you.

The social floor is continually moving and does not allow for stopping in one place.
Try not to obstruct the flow of the ronda by leaving too big a gap behind the couple in front.
Keep the flow moving so you don’t halt or slow down the traffic behind.

When dancing, don’t confuse the social dance floor with a stage.

Avoid talking while dancing, save your conversation for the space at the beginning of each
track and the cortina.

Do not continuously apologize to your partner if you make mistakes.

If you accidentally bump or kick another dancer, it is appropriate to promptly apologise
for the offence by a nod to the other man and move on.

It is customary for couple to dance one tanda together, its more sociable and gives everyone
a chance to dance and socialise.

At the end of the dance

The embrace ends when the music stops and the cortina (non tango) music begins.

Abstain from further physical contact between the end of the last tanda and during the cortina
so as to avoid any misconception of some sort of relationship.

If you agree to dance more than one tanda, consecutively, with the same person, it may give
the impression that you are interested in them beyond the milonga, don’t be surprised or offended
if you receive a proposition. If you are not so inclined, simply stop at the end of the one tanda.

At the end of a tanda, when you have finished dancing, it is customary to polite to say “Thank you”
and accompany the lady back to her table.

Leave the floor as quickly as possible, before the start of the next tanda.

Exiting the dance floor

When you finish dancing, leave the floor as quickly as possible.

Abstain from further physical contact between the end of the last tanda and during the cortina
so as to avoid any misconception of some sort of relationship.

Wait until a follower has exited the dance floor before asking her or him to dance.

Teaching on the Floor

Don’t teach (particularly for leads), don’t ask for tips (particularly for follows) or offer suggestions (everyone).
Lessons or tips are for practicas or classes.

Milongas are social dance events where people should be able to relax and enjoy themselves,
its neither a class nor a practica, teaching on the dance floor is strongly discouraged,
whether solicited or unsolicited.

It is better to dance at the level of your partner, than to correct possible flaws. Unsolicited teaching
can be humiliating and takes the fun out of dancing.

The social dance floor is not the place to teach or to correct your partner and the 'no-teaching-at
the-milonga'rule should be respected.

Protect your partner on the dance floor

Protecting yourself and your partner on the dance floor is the top priority! Floor get crowded, accidental bumps
the odd kick here and there, temper get frayed.

In the midst of all this, remain calm, ensure that your partner is shielded from it all and make sure by

Signal your willingness to dance

Dancers will be attracted to you if they feel you want to dance, this is easily done with an engaging smile
and standing close to the edge of the dance floor where you can be seen by prospective partners.

Acceptance of a dance is not an invitation to a treat

Each dance is a brief, and hopefully enjoyable, social encounter. An invitation for a dance does not
necessarily indicate a personal interest. It is customary for couple to dance one tanda (a set of 3/4 tracks
together.

However, you may dance more than three tandas with someone but be aware this implies that you are
interested in them beyond the milonga.

Personal Grooming

Before the dance:

Shower and use a Deodorant or Anti-Perspirant.,

If you use some fragrance, please use it sparingly. Some people have a problem getting
up close and personal to heavy fragrance.

Brush teeth and use mouthwash or breath mint.

Abstain from foods with strong odours, like curry, garlic and other aromatic herbs and spices.

The smell of cigarettes on one's breath or clothing can be very unattractive.

Wear a clean shirt and bring a couple of spare if you tend to get sweaty.

During the dance:

Check your grooming periodically

In between tandas, freshen up and towel off before the next dance.

Take with you extra shirt/top with you to the dance, in case you need a change.

We encourage everyone to dance with each other

No matter how long you've been dancing Tango, never start thinking you're too good to dance with
someone. Everyone in the room deserves your respect and a wonderful time dancing.

No one is too good that they spend the whole time sitting out tandas.

We encourage everyone to dance with each other, especially with someone on their first visit,
it helps them to integrate easily into the community. Ask someone to dance who are not necessarily
your favourite .

Today's beginners will be the good dancers of tomorrow, so be nice to them and dance with them.

Today's beginners will one day be the good dancers of tomorrow, so be nice and dance with them.
They will never remember your gerousity of spirit and solidarity in their tango journey.

Do not monopolize one partner for the whole night even though they maybe your favourite,
give someone else a chance. It makes for a richer experience at the end of the milonga.

Tango music is played in tandas with an interlude of non tango music before the next tanda.

Tandas

Tango, vals and milonga music are typically played in sets of three to five songs known as "tandas."
Nearly all tandas are composed of music played by the same orchestra during a given era.

Music from different eras are not mixed together in the same tanda

Vocal and instrumental music are rarely mixed in the same tanda.

All the songs on a tanda have a similar feel

Each song contributes to the continuity of the tanda.

A change of music (tanda) to that of another orchestra is used to change the energy and refresh the dancers.

Tanda Programming Cycle

A typical Tanda Programming Cycle is :

TTVTTM (Tango/Tango/Vals/Tango/Tango/Milonga)

Cortinas - Closing the Evening of Dancing

Each tanda is followed by a short piece of music, known as a "cortina," that acts as a curtain indicating the tanda has
drawn to a close. The same cortina or several tracks can is used as a cortina for the duration of an evening such as:

Swing

Salsa

Rock & Roll,

Pop

World music

Closing the Evening of Dancing

We play the tango classic "La Cumparsita,"to bring the evening to a close, and typically play
two versions, one of which is our signature tune "La Cumparsita - Tito Schipaa" to end the
evening.

Safety and Enjoyment

Everyone's safety and enjoyment is important in the milonga. Go to the host and/or DJ with any
social, etiquette or safety concerns, including sexually inappropriate behavior.

In order to feel safe with the intimacy of tango, it needs to be a social space in which people feel
protected from romantic advances. For this reason, it is not appropriate to ask someone for their
phone number, or ask them on a date.

However, this does happens but it should be discreet and outside the social space where people
dance.

Last word

A respect for the rules of the milonga, other dancers or indeed the tango as a social dance makes
for a better milonga for everyone! Finally, respect dancers' privacy, the intimacy and delicacy of
tango.

These guidelines are offered with the hope of helping dancers enjoy their tango and milonga experience.
If you have any comments, feel free to email us.

In writing this guideline, I have drawn on the thoughts and experience of other milongueros, old and young.
I am also indebted to the numerous event hosts, who have provided Social dance platform to indulge my passion,
DJs, who played music that inspired me to dance all night long, dance partners who have shared a warm embrace
and all of my students who have freely given me their feedback.

Any errors or omissions are entirely my own.

"I will travel through the gates of hellto dance in A milonga,if the devil offer me a safe conduct pass But you can never trust the devil ..."~ Dele

- Frank & Allison - Registango: 12.07.12

- Bob Hope

- Chrisjj + Lizzie - August '12

ery friendly people and as a recent dancer to Tango, I found
very encouraging and will definitely be coming more often.

- Gabi

T

hursday night have never been so much fun.You go to so much trouble to
create such a wonderful milonga experience.

Thank you Dele.

- Isabel xx 4.10.12

D

ele, Thank you for teaching me and introducing this lovely dance to me.
I really enjoy and appreciate the time we had. Thank you very much indeed.
I will keep learning tango, and waiting for other chance we meet.

Big hug, Thank you Dele.

- Sophia - Taipei/Taiwan

T

hank you Dele. I enjoy your evenings very much. Well done!
This is my favourite place!

- Jackie xx

T

hanks for a really nice milonga. A little Buenos Aires in U.K
See you next time!

- Alessandro (Alex) - Italy

D

ele. Many thanks for a lovely evening of dancing - impeccable music,
lovely people and the food was a pleasant surprise.

- Chris - Brighton

A

ll. I can add is that I agree, and a massive thank you...!!!

- Sarah - Brighton

H

i Dele, Great Milonga. I will be back and get all these guys hiding
in the kitchen on the floor!

Besoa,

- Liesbeth Bennett

H

i Dele, What a wonderful evening of dance, thank you for organising it
and for the dances.

- Julia, Vienna/Austria

T

Thank you Dele.What a fantastic evening! I thought I was coming to the milonga
to watch! I never thought I would get to dance.Thanks again and Best wishes

- Sarah C

D

ear Dele, Very enjoyable evening. I found everyone very friendly & welcoming.
Also found I was asked to dance quite a bit. I get the impression everyone
got a fair of dances which doesn't often happen.

- Tina

L

ovely ambience, nice nibbles, great variation of style,
Thank you Dele for a fab evening.

- Ru

"Please, just for me, forget the steps… Hold me, feel the music, and give me your soul.Then I can give you mine." ~ Unknown

ContactUs

Get intouchWe are alwaysinterested in hearing your comments.Please feel free to contact us if you have any suggestionsor just for a chat.